Toni Vaz, a trailblazing figure in Hollywood, passed away at 101 on October 4. Her legacy as the first Black woman stunt performer and founder of the NAACP Image Awards lives on.
Hollywood Mourns the Loss of a Pioneering Stunt Performer
Toni Vaz, a beloved resident of the Motion Picture Fund campus in Woodland Hills, died at 101. Her groundbreaking career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Hollywood star Octavia Spencer paid tribute to Vaz on Instagram. She expressed gratitude for Vaz’s contributions as a stunt performer, actor, and founder of the NAACP Image Awards. Spencer emphasized that Vaz’s impact will be felt for generations to come.
From New York to Hollywood: Toni Vaz’s Rise to Stardom
Vaz’s journey began in the early 1950s when she moved from New York to Los Angeles. Her career took off with a role as an extra in the 1959 film “Tarzan the Ape Man.”
Soon after, Vaz transitioned into stunt work, becoming one of the first Black women in this field. She performed daring stunts for Hollywood legends like Cicely Tyson and Eartha Kitt. Her impressive resume includes 50 TV shows and movies, with over 20,000 hours of performance.
NAACP Image Awards: Vaz’s Vision for Representation
In 1967, Vaz founded the NAACP Image Awards. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to celebrate people of color in media and entertainment. It also honored those promoting social justice through their work.
Vaz explained her motivation to The Hollywood Reporter in 2019. She said, “In those days, the jobs black people got were playing maids, hookers, Aunt Jemimas. That upset me.” Her goal was to change that image and showcase diverse roles for Black actors.
Recognition and Legacy: Honoring Toni Vaz’s Contributions
Despite creating the Image Awards, Vaz’s contribution went unrecognized for years. In 2000, she finally received her own statuette in a special tribute. Later, in 2021, she was awarded the Image Awards’ Founder Award.
Yvette Nicole Brown called Vaz a “true Black innovator.” She praised Vaz’s determination to showcase Black talent and change perceptions in the entertainment industry. Vaz’s story continues to inspire, recently featured in MPTF Studios productions narrated by Angela Bassett.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce plans to honor Vaz with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025. Her nephew, Errol Reed, and niece, Janice Powell-Bowen, survive her. Toni Vaz’s legacy as a trailblazer and visionary will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations in Hollywood.
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